This afternoon the NHL
board of governors echoed the NHLPA and ratified the CBA, officially guaranteeing
a 2005-06 season.

In real news, the Penguins
beat out all 29 other NHL franchises and won the lottery. Sidney Crosby will
wear Black and Yellow next season. It's justified as they would have finished
last in 2004-05 if there'd been a season, so the pick is rightfully theirs.

The Caps will draft 14th
in the first round, 17th in the second (47th overall), then continue alternating
for the remainder of the draft. Washington will also get Ottawa's second round
pick (22nd, 52nd overall) courtesy of the Peter Bondra trade oh-so-long-ago.

The draft is only a week
away, so expect a ton of coverage of potential picks in the coming days.